Orlando Pirates made history on Saturday, becoming the first team to win the MTN8 trophy four times in a row.
They secured the victory with a 3-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in extra time at Mbombela Stadium. This title marks Pirates’ 14th top-eight trophy in the club’s history, leaving them just one shy of Kaizer Chiefs’ record, which they last won against Pirates in 2014. While the victory was historic, it wasn’t a classic game in terms of entertainment value.
Pirates were playing in their fourth final at this venue, having previously won two Nedbank Cups and lost the Carling Knockout. They came into this game aiming to extend their winning streak in this competition.
For Stellenbosch, this was their third consecutive final in three seasons. After winning the Carling Knockout in the 2023/24 season, they faced Pirates once again, having lost to them last season. Coach Steve Barker’s side was playing in a final at this venue for the first time and was up against a team that had recently beaten them in a league match.
In the early stages, Pirates created two close chances through Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng, but both shots went wide. Kamogelo Sebelebele unleashed a powerful strike from distance, but Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens made a comfortable save.
The game was an end-to-end affair, with both sides creating chances but struggling to find the cutting edge. The first half ended goalless. Stellenbosch’s Sanele Barns had a shot going wide, and Pirates came close again when Sihle Nduli crossed for Evidence Makgopa, whose shot at the back post was saved by Stephens.
As the second half progressed, Stellenbosch had a good spell of possession, applying pressure on the Buccaneers. Barns almost capitalized with a powerful shot that required a save from Sipho Chaine. Pirates also had attempts at goal when Deon Hotto received a pass from substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa, but the Namibian international’s shot went wide.
The match remained a tight, tactical battle, leading to extra time as both teams cancelled each other out after 90 minutes.
The deadlock was finally broken just two minutes into extra time by Pirates. Substitute Tshepang Moremi, who was left unmarked, poked home a clever cross from Appollis, with the ball slipping under the feet of Stephens.
The game seemed to be over when Mabasa, another substitute, doubled Pirates’ lead in the 103rd minute, slotting the ball past Stephens following a cutback from Moremi. Mabasa had also scored in last season’s final against the same opponents.
Pirates sealed their win with a third goal in the 110th minute. Appollis intercepted a poor pass from Henri Stanic and set up Moremi, who netted his second goal of the night and third overall in his short career at the club. The victory marked the first trophy for coach Abdelsam Ouaddou, who took over from Jose Riveiro during the off-season.
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